The Press Box

Written by J. Patrick Eaken

January 21, 2010

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Lake inducts six new members into Athletic Hall of Fame

Lake High School inducted Wes Blank, Lisa Hicks-Delas, Mike Kohlhofer, Mike VanCamp, and Randy Akenberger into its Athletic Hall of Fame at halftime of the boys’ basketball game against Swanton on January 16.

Akenberger was an all-league performer in football and a member of the Team Hall of Fame as the quarterback of the 1978 undefeated Lake football team. Today, he is a longtime active member of the Flyer Club and Booster Club and a volunteer coach.

“Randy has volunteered for many years on many projects that have improved the quality of our athletic facilities,” states an athletic department press release. “An unselfish, willing, and dedicated community member of Lake Township.”

Coach Mike VanCamp is selected as Outstanding Coach. VanCamp passed away several years ago, but was represented by his two daughters, Denise and Lisa, at the ceremony.

Coach VanCamp is known by many as “VC” after dedicating 34 years to coaching at Lake from 1964 to 1998. His coaching career included eighth grade football (two years), junior varsity football (two years), freshmen boys basketball (two years), JV boys basketball (four years), assistant varsity boys basketball (eight years), head varsity boys basketball (seven years), junior high track (six years), assistant varsity boys track (seven years), head varsity girls cross country (17 years), 24 years as head varsity boys track coach, and 25 years as football public address announcer.

“A hard working, dedicated coach. Cared about kids, always wanting the best for them. Did things the right way, by giving himself to better themselves,” state the press release.

Mike Kohlhofer is selected as Outstanding Athlete. A 1987 graduate, Kohlhofer earned eight varsity letters, including three in football, two in basketball, and three in baseball.

As a receiver in football, Kohlhofer was Second Team All-NLL as a junior and First Team All-NLL, First Team Associated Press All-District, and Third Team All-Ohio as a senior. On the other side of the ball, Kohlhofer was a First Team All-NLL defensive back as a senior.

Mike broke three school records as a receiver, including most receptions in a career, most receiving yards in a career, and most touchdown receptions in a career.

As a pitcher in baseball, Kohlhofer was Honorable Mention All-NLL as a junior, first team all-league, and Honorable Mention Associated Press as a senior.

Lisa Hicks-Delas has also been selected as Outstanding Athlete. A 1986 graduate, Hicks-Delas earned nine varsity letters, including three in volleyball, three in basketball, and three in softball.

In volleyball, she was First Team All-NLL as a junior and senior, Second Team All-District as a junior, and First Team All-District as a senior.

In basketball, Hicks-Delas was HM All-NLL as a sophomore and junior, First Team All-NLL as a senior, HM All-District as a junior, and First Team All-District, Special Mention AP All-District, and HM All-Ohio as a senior.

Wes Blank is the next selection as Outstanding Athlete. A 2004 graduate, Blank earned 10 varsity letters, including four in football, three in basketball and three in baseball.

As a running back in football, Blank was First Team All-County as a senior, Second Team All-SLL as a junior, First Team All-SLL as a senior, Second Team All-District as a junior, and First Team All-District and HM All-Ohio as a senior. Blank broke two school records in football, including single game rushing and most touchdowns in a season.

In basketball, Blank was First Team All-County as a senior, Honorable Mention All-SLL as a junior., Second Team All-SLL as a senior, and Second Team All-District his junior and senior years.

As a pitcher in baseball, Blank was First Team All-County as a junior and senior, First Team All-SLL as a sophomore, junior and senior, and a two-time SLL Player of the Year his junior and senior years. Blank broke five school records in baseball, including most wins in a season, most wins in a career, best ERA in a career, most strikeouts in a season, and most strikeouts in a career.

Sports AnnouncementsAt Oak Harbor’s Coaches versus Cancer event during the girls’ basketball game Edison, $742 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Oak Harbor continued the event during the Oak Harbor-Tiffin Columbian boys’ game, raising even more money. Fans that wore pink had one dollar of their admission ticket donated directly to the American Cancer Society

*********Spring 2010 Lake Erie Flag Football registration sign-ups will be February 6 and 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Municipal Building at 146 N. Church St. The league is directly affiliated with the NFL through www.nflyouthfootball.com. Divisions will be first-third grade and fourth-sixth grade. Fees are $60, which covers team equipment including an NFL reversible jersey to keep. Late registrations are limited. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit t www.lakeerieflagfootball.com.

*********Registration has begun and runs through Mar. 10 for softball players age 50 and older for the East Toledo Senior Activity Center’s summer senior softball league. Early Bird fees postmarked by Jan. 31 are $40 (or $55 for both leagues if 59 and over). Registration fees postmarked between Feb. 1 and Mar. 12 are $45 (or $60 for both leagues). Any registrations after Mar. 12 will be assessed a $10 late fee. Leagues play Monday and Wednesday evenings at the East Toledo Family Center. Call the ETFC at 419-691-2254.

*********The Genoa High School baseball team will be holding a baseball camp Feb. 28 and Mar. 7 at the athletic complex. The camp fee is $20. Boys 8-10 years old are from noon-2 p.m. and 11-14 years old are from 3-5 p.m. Visit www.leaguelinup.com/genoa or call Lee Nissen at 419-351-2398.